Former Weston Mercury editor Jerry Williams has defended a decision to preserve the anonymity of a teenager who went on a reign of terror.

Mr Williams is the chairman of Woodspring magistrates, at Weston-super-Mare.

The 16-year-old was sentenced to eight months’ youth custody after he breached an Anti Social Behaviour Order put on him after 116 complaints to council officials.

Magistrates refused to lift reporting restrictions despite Home Secretary Jack Straw urging youth courts to name young offenders wherever possible.

Mr Williams said: “I cannot comment on an individual case as it is very much up to the magistrates in court on that day.

“They have legal advice from the clerk of the court and all the magistrates are aware of the guidelines available and it is left to each court to make a decision.

“The interests of the young person and damage of naming of anyone is uppermost.

“Magistrates do listen to any guidelines and advice. No bench takes a decision to not name lightly. They listen very carefully to what is being said. This bench feels it made the right decision.

“We try each case on its merits. It is not a case of blanket release or restriction. Every court does think very carefully about the restrictions.

“They weigh up the arguments they have heard and take legal advice from the clerk. They decided in that instance it was not in the best interest.

“Every single time a restriction is made it is thought about carefully, even in adult court. When we are asked to put a reporting restriction on a child, we have to decide whether it is in the interests of justice.”

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